Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the individual charged regarding the November 21, 2021, shooting investigation in the area of Lafayette Avenue and Howe Avenue in Passaic, New Jersey.
On November 21, 2021, at approximately 12:55 a.m., members of the Passaic Police Department responded to the area of Lafayette Avenue and Howe Avenue in Passaic, New Jersey on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival the police located a potential crime scene a 4-year-old child, a 21- year-old female Passaic, New Jersey resident, a 25-year-old female Newark, New Jersey resident and a 29-year-old male Newark, New Jersey resident who each sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey for treatment.
Police located a fifth victim, a 21-year-old male Passaic resident, who had sustained a graze wound during the shooting and refused medical treatment. Police determined that a group gathered for an event in the backyard of a residence located in the area of Lafayette Avenue and Howe Avenue when two gunmen opened fire, striking the victims. Based on the investigation, Ernest Fuentes was identified as one the shooters and a warrant was issued for his arrest The public is being requested to view Mr. Fuente’s photo in an attempt to locate him.
If anyone sees Ernest Fuentes they are to contact Detective Raymond Rodriguez at 973-365-3939. The public should not try to approach Mr. Fuentes if they see him. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident or the current whereabouts of Ernest Fuentes to contact our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Passaic Police Department at 973-365-3900. For media inquiries concerning this incident, contact Senior Assistant Prosecutor In-Charge Jennifer Fetterman of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at jfetterman@passaicocountynj.org or at (973) 881-4811.